Early Signs of Autism in Infants: What Parents Need to Know

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects physical, social and emotional development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 150 children suffer from autism. There are several signs of autism that present themselves by 6 months of age.

Not Smiling

• One of the first signs of autism in infants is not smiling. An infant's first smile should occur within 4 months of age.

Silence

• Infants who do not babble or coo by the time they are 6 months old may be showing a sign of autism.

Lack of Reactions

• An early sign of autism in an infant is failing to react to stimuli. This stimuli can include colors, movements or objects. Stimuli reactions should occur by 4 months of age.

No Interest

• No interest in other people is one of the first signs of autism. Typically developing children show interest in other's faces, smiles and voice by 6 months of age.

Not Crying

• One of the first signs of autism is an infant that doesn't cry. Infants typically cry when they feel discomfort from being hungry, having a dirty diaper or being in pain.